Chapter 21

Ash was beyond relieved to find that the next morning Georgio had checked out with his Pokémon. He had nothing against the guy for making sure his buddies were okay. But the further the creep was away from Misty the better.

How blind could he be? Stalkers were not supposed have common sense but still. How could he not see how miserable Misty was?

The moment Georgio had appeared Ash felt Misty pulling away. The battle had helped to rid him of the anger that had risen upon realizing what was going on. Still he was still mad.

Pikachu was still wary; the mouse had understood exactly what kind of trouble he was in when Ash did not use him for the battle. Pikachu had known exactly what Ash meant by not using Pikachu.

It was simple. The next time Pikachu kept PikaPal secrets, no matter what, the PikaPals would be on the sidelines as Ash faced the problem alone. Seeing the guy Misty wanted to protect from him had made Ash see red.

To think such a disgusting creature had managed to get her acceptance as grudging as it was. In his room, Ash ignored Pikachu who sat on the bed holding his hat dejectedly. As he paced the room Ash went over the previous day’s events.

Yes he had won, Georgio agreed to fight fair. Still, it was not enough. Ash wanted as unrealistic as it was for Georgio to disappear. He wanted to never see Georgio again and the same for Misty. A guy like that would definitely become unstable someday.

But there was no doubt that on Misty’s birthday that guy would somehow be there. Trying to share on her special day as if he had a right.

Ash snorted in disgust. To tell the truth some of the others in his opinion did not have the right. Misty’s birthday was something special. One of the few times, she allowed herself to treat herself and expect something from others.

That day was so close. Ash released a sigh. This birthday he wanted to make so special for her. To show her she meant so much to him. Show Misty that she was one of his closest friends. That she was not forgotten. But to get her a present was so difficult. He had to get her something that would be able to adapt to her gym leader life. Be what she needed to boost her confidence. Something she would treasure.

He knew what he wanted to get. Ash turned to Pikachu and gently retrieved his hat from the mouse’s paws. It was difficult but he was fighting to get her something that was perfect.

“Pikapi.” The mouse said dejectedly sitting on the bed with its head bowed. Ash sighed; Pikachu still thought he was in trouble. That time it was all finished for Ash, Pikachu understood keeping secrets like that were wrong.

“I’m not mad at you anymore buddy. Just Misty and Georgio really. It wasn’t your fault you just wanted to keep it between you two.”

The mouse looked up with hope shining in its eyes. Ash laughed before giving into the urge and tickling his buddy. He was never the type to hold unnecessary grudges.

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Misty sighed looking into the mirror. No matter what the image would not change, that reddish hair of hers would not magically become something she could make princess like. Even though she wanted to look special.

They were staying for at least one more day before moving on. She had no interest in shopping. But she did want to wander around with Ash sightseeing. Team Rocket had made her want to really soak in what the city stood for.

And if that flopped, she could teach Psyduck another swimming lesson. The duck was long overdue for it. She had been patient enough. One of her goals had been to help assist Psyduck with its fear of water. It was really not a hard goal to accomplish really.

The duck had no problems with an inflatable tube. However learning to swim was still a problem. Misty sighed heavily before resting her head against the mirror. The chilliness cooled her forehead and her thinking.

After a few seconds, Misty raised her head to look at her reflection and her eyes widened. In her reflection Ash was behind her watching her curiously. His expression showed concern and just the smallest bit of amusement.

Forcing herself to relax Misty allowed herself to focus on the eyes on the mirror that were looking at her back. For a few seconds they stood there, and then Ash slowly raised his eyes to meet hers in the mirror.

“Okay Misty?” He asked not moving his eyes away from her. Misty was never so thankful that Ash was the dense king. Any normal guy would know how awkward and embarrassing this was. As well as how much of a mushy scene they presented.

Yet he watched her without a care in the world, allowing her to gather her composure and her lost thoughts. He really was something.

“Just thinking.” She told him pushing herself up and away from the sink. It was time for her to really get a hold of herself. There was no real reason to succumb to her feelings at his surprise appearance.

Yes, he looked all rumpled and cute. Yes, he had that determined look on him that was even more dashing now he was older. Still she could not allow herself to be caught off guard, she might ending up giving up the game before she found out if he would like her beyond friends. If he really understood what that meant.

As in taking her, back to Kanto, having a date and ending up on Cerulean Cape and sharing a kiss. Misty flushed thinking about it. Ash frowned in confusion as Misty’s face blushed brighter. The Cape was beyond romantic and she so badly wanted to share a kiss there.

The sea, cool breeze and the sight and sounds of all the water Pokémon. There was nowhere better for it. Misty stifled a giggle; she was getting way ahead of herself. She smiled seeing Ash leaning against the bathroom door his confusion obvious.

She was going to brush his concerns away when she froze to think. Just what was Ash doing in the bathroom? With her? Yes she was dressed and finished, but why was he in there?

“I wanted to see what we were doing today.” Ash said quietly his confusion gone. He unfolded his arms and grinned sending her heart fluttering. Him happy made her happy.

“Huh?” She asked him. There was no way he had read her face.

“It was on your face just now.” Ash said arrogantly. “You looked like you were wondering just why I was here with you.”

“Yes, why? Keep in mind your answer will determine whether or not I punish you.” Misty said slowly reaching behind her for the bottle of hair spray. She had borrowed it from Dawn but she was sure the girl would not mind a dent or two.

“I told you, I came to check on you. You were taking so long. And when I called for you, you didn’t answer so I came in.” Ash said as he turned away. Her threat to kosh him on the head seemed to have lost its strength.

Misty gritted her teeth in irritation, she worked so hard to keep Ash in his place. Now here he was ignoring her power? Without thinking, she hurled the can towards his head. It was only as it was flying through the air did she realise how bad of an idea it was.

Her eyes  widened at what she had done unthinkingly, she was going to shout a warning when Ash’s hand shot up and caught the can without him once turning around. Her jaw dropped at how easily he had done it when Ash turned to face her again.

“Were you trying to hit me Mist? This isn’t like from years ago. You call me a kid, but only little girls throw things in tantrums.”

Misty’s mouth dropped open in shock. The snarky little buffoon. He actually thought he was more mature than her?

Shaking the can in her direction Ash smirked. “I know you so well. Throwing items is second nature to you. All I had to do was wait for it. You really have to rid yourself of being so predictable Misty. Seriously you know the old Ash would not have been able to dodge so you assumed that this one would do the same?”

Ash clicked his tongue against his teeth mockingly. “That doesn’t seem very Water Pokémon Masterlike. Or very gym leaderlike either. Maybe I should have a battle with you to make sure that you have not gotten too rusty. I mean how else could you be slacking?”

Misty screamed out in rage and unthinkingly threw herself at Ash arms raised to pummel some of the arrogance out of him. He was so infuriating that a few good knocks on the head would do him good.

As she hurtled towards him, Ash’s face lost its grin. His face became focused as he twisted to meet her head on.

Before her fists could strike him, one of his hands immobilised them. Before she could crash into him, Ash steadied her.

“Knew that was coming too!” He laughed. Misty was stuck with her fists in midair and his hand wrapped around her waist. She could not move forward, and this hand stopped her from moving back. She was pressed against him on her tiptoe. Humiliating.

“You got me, again.” Misty said fighting back confusing amusement. The situation could be read one way. But this was clueless Ash, and at the moment all he cared about was the fact that he won.

“Always!” Ash grinned looking pleased with himself. Then he quickly frowned. “There was something I wanted to ask you and this Misty is the best time. I wanted to spend some time with Dratini today. So I was wondering if we could look about later and go somewhere with our Pokémon. I’m not for looking about half the place for weird stuff. That’s what the others will be doing.”

“I guess.” Misty said her voice slightly hushed. Go somewhere. Go, somewhere. Her heart thudded loudly. He wanted to just spend the day with her and their Pokémon.

Just her no Iris or Cilan. No May and Dawn. No Drew and Paul. Not that she had anything against them. It just was that it was so rare to be included in the group when Ash wanted Pokémon time. She really had moved up in his affections as pathetic as it sounded. Ash saw her as more than the old Misty.

Before he had left her and Brock behind while going doing bonding time. Before he had left them to have fun with the Pokémon or to think.

Misty winced inwardly, she was reading way too much into it. Ash was Ash. All this meant was that he wanted to hang out. Just not shop.

“Nurse Joy told me there is a small river passing by. It’s quiet a walk, but easy to find. We can go there, maybe let the Pokémon swim a bit.” Misty said tugging lightly in the grip Ash had her hands in. Blinking quickly almost as if if he forgot the position he had them in Ash gently released her.

“We can swim there too. Bring a suit, and something for Psyduck, we can all enjoy the water. Hopefully relax Psyduck too.” Ash said glancing away.

It was a good idea; she did want to work on Psyduck a bit. She wanted to see the sights, but not so badly, that she would stop what she came here to do. Train and grow even stronger. Help her Pokémon overcome their problems.

Smoothing back her hair she had yet to style, Misty burst into giggles before tilting her head to the side and winking at Ash. It was a good thing that someone was thinking.

Ash smiled back at her, but it was a bit slow. Misty hesitated as Ash slowly looked elsewhere, but not before she swore his eyes had widened and darkened just the tinyest bit.

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Drew was sitting alone in the lobby when he spotted a sight he was not too sure he was believing. First Misty her Pokémon egg in her hands handed off the egg to Nurse Joy. A sure sign she was going somewhere.

Her hair was up in the ponytail, she had on her normal clothes, but something seemed a little off. Drew narrowed his eyes even more when he realized that Misty and Nurse Joy was carrying on a rather curious conversation.

Nurse Joy was turning and gesturing while Misty nodded her understanding. Drew had his suspicions on what was going on, but then Nurse Joy gestured to the map behind her confirming Drew’s suspicions.

Misty was going somewhere. Nurse Joy traced her finger from the spot where the Pokémon Centre was circled in bold red to down a small path. From there her finger went left until she circled a spot with a few blue trickles. Misty nodded her understanding while the Nurse beamed away.

So the gym leader needed some time away from them all it seemed. Drew nodded before slumping down in his seat. He would protect her privacy and pretend that he had not seen her destination. A swim would be good for her. Her nerves had to be beyond shaky.

“Misty! Got the directions?” Ash said running from the direction of the rooms Pikachu on his shoulder clinging on happily. Ash was hurriedly stuffing towels in his backpack as he made his way to Misty. Drew sat up no longer interested in looking grumpy.

Ash would be going with her then. Then he definitely did not see them. Just in case he had to dole out money to the two sore losers.

The twosome turned from the information desk laughing together. Drew noticed how much happier Misty looked. She did need sometime away. But maybe being with Ash would be a better idea than just hanging out alone. Resting back, he kept one eye on them until the Centre doors closed.

He should really disappear too. In the opposite direction from them of course. He had no interests in watching the friendzone king make mistakes. Presides, May would be back from outside searching for him and the next place she would check would be the rooms. He wanted some more time alone with his thoughts.

More time to think and plan before he heard what MayMay had to say.

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Ash was positively elated at the change of plans. He and Misty were going to be alone, not running around looking at everything and perhaps running into the Rocket duo.

Not that he was having a problem with them. It just was that Ash still did not trust them. They could sing all they want about opening a store and turning over a new leaf, but he was reserving judgement. Hey always had been a step behind him trying to capture Pikachu.

It was not impossible for it to be true though. Ash snuck a peek at Misty by his side. Many times Team Rocket had proved to be good at something other than destructive stuff. Sometimes they had helped him out. The times may have been rare and far in-between but they had done good.

Their reasons had been unknown or selfish but sometimes the Rocket Duo really had helped him out. Or rooted for him. or even teamed up for the bigger good. Sometimes it seemed that nothing but the motto changed, but it still was not impossible for this to be true.

But he was keeping his guard up. Pikachu was one of things he could not lose.

“Prepare for shock we have what you are looking for.” Misty half sang making Ash’s eyes widen. She was one of the other things he could not lose but he really never understood her fascination with the motto.

“This region is on par for all the training and more!”

“Pika Pika Pi Pi Ka!”

“Misty is the name!”

“Pika!” Pikachu finished while Ash groaned in disappointment.

“Do you guys really have to? Especially you buddy.” He said casually running Pikachu from his head to sit on his shoulder instead. “You usually hate any reference to the motto.”

“Pika Chu.” Pikachu said looking embarrassed as it rubbed its head with one hand and hung on with the other.

“Figures, she starts you join in.” Ash said shaking his head.

“Don’t you start.” Misty said reaching up to pat Pikachu. “It can’t be helped that we are in such a good mood. And those guys always have a good motto ready. They think it up on the spot sometimes; they really are creative and a team. Like us Pikapal!”

Ash slanted his gaze to Pikachu in time to see the mouse nod at Misty and glance shyly at him. Once Pikapals remembered no secrets he really could care less who’s mottos them used.

“They hate you using their motto you know.” He reminded Misty shaking his head. “Don’t you know anything about copyrighting?” He teased lightly shoving her a few steps ahead of him.

“I’m sure I know more about it than YOU Ash Ketchum!” She snarled at him when she regained her steps. She clenched her fists and swayed shifted her bag to swinging. She wanted to fight, but now was not the time. The sun was a bit on the bright side.

“Sure you do Mist.” Ash said as he calmly walked past her angry frame. “I mean, you probably know everything like how they could sue if they wanted blah blah. Just the reason why you were using their motto as you see fit. You know everything about it.” Ash turned back to face her. “Right?”

Misty flushed. “Ahh, I just like the sound of it.” Closing her eyes she let out a huge sigh before stomping past him again. Ash hid his quick grin, they seemed to have switched roles because there was only one kid here and it for once was not him.

“It’s this way.” Misty suddenly said in a calm voice jarring him. she was pointing to a small path that lead through the trees.

“In case of anything.” Ash began ready to show off his maturity. “Let’s mark as we go so we don’t get lost. I really don’t want to be wasting time.”

Ash saw Misty slowly tilt her head to the side. “Feeling okay Ash?” She queried. “Usually.....” She trailed off.

“Just come.” Ash said feeling a flush coming up him next. Snatching her hand in his he began to lightly tug her towards the path. He felt her limp hand twitch in his and he tightened his grip. He swore he heard a quick intake of breath but it had to be a mistake.

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Misty loved water, swimming in it, looking at it, or just being near it. She hastily folded the clothes she had been wearing into her bag and glanced at her swimsuit. It was simple, bikini top and bikini shorts. It was her first time wearing it and it just may be the last.

She had specifically told her sister Daisy no extra tight stuff. But as usual her diva of a sister had ignored her and bought this tight monstrosity. At least the colours were acceptable. Dark blue with a splash of white for the cups were not too bad. Having the tiny bow in red really looked cute too. The bottom mimicked the top with it being dark blue then having a white outline and a red bow.

If it were not so tight, it would become a regular outfit for when she was back at the gym. But to wear this in front of Ash was really wearing on her. Having to parade herself in this had her tugging at the material and fidgeting and she had not even come out from behind the trees she went to change behind.

Taking a deep breath did little to raise her confidence. If only they were not so secluded where it was just them, and them.

Taking another deep breath Misty stepped out from behind the trees to see Ash backing her as he watched Dratini and Pikachu play. Dratini snaking in the water with Pikachu riding its back laughing in glee.

“It is not just us.” She whispered before reaching for her pokeballs. Two clicks and flashes of light and Marill and Psyduck appeared. Marill made a dash for the water while Psyduck remained at her side a panicked confused expression on its face.

“Don’t worry Psyduck.” Misty said kneeling to look at the confused duck. “I won’t force you into anything. And I brought the inner tube, just for you.”

All the duck did was awkwardly hug her leg while complaining. Sighing Misty made to stand up when she noticed Ash had turned around. She sighed again; she had missed his reaction to the swimsuit. If there was any. As she made her way to him, she noticed the look in his eyes seemed to flicker somehow. Misty shrugged it off.

It had to be the light; the place was surrounded by trees so the light was pretty sparse already. Reaching into her bag again, Misty began to dig around for the inner tube for Psyduck.

“Gonna take this easy?” Ash asked drawing Misty’s full attention to him again. The boy had shed his clothes the moment they got to the clearing. He had been in such a hurry that he showed no decency as he stripped to his swim trunks.

Yet for all his hurry, he was standing on the banks, waiting for her? Misty narrowed her eyes on Ash who appeared to be pretty easy as he watched his Pokémon frolic in the water.

“I want to take this easy, none of us need to drown today.” Misty admitted as she handed the automatic inner tube to Psyduck. The duck happily toddled off to the water and flopped in to the delight of the other Pokémon.

Misty smiled and rested her bag right next to where Ash had dumped his.

“The water is kinda cold.” Ash said as he reached for Misty’s hand. Involuntarily her eyes widened. The hand holding was nothing weird but the situation was. Hesitantly she took his hand. When she looked up and at the water she met Pikachu’s eyes. The mouse’s eyes were transparent with joy and Misty flushed.

“I can handle a little cold.” Misty said as they stood at the water’s edge.

“I know, but I wanted to go in with you and that was just a warning. No shrinking when we step in. We are going in this together.” Ash said his focus on the water.

“Okay.” She whispered as they took one-step into the water together. He was right, it was cold but not unbearable. She felt his gaze on her and when she looked to meet it she found him smiling.

“Next one.” He said. The next step covered their ankles and really had a bite to it. Against her will Misty gave a small gasp.

Ash pulled her closer to him as they took the next step. The water was to their calves at the next step. Then their knees a few steps later. By the time, they had joined their Pokémon and the water was to their waist. Finally, Ash released her hand.

“It was cold.” He began as he started to wade towards Pikachu and Dratini. “But we made it together, not as cold as half the places we were though.”

“Definitely.” Misty said automatically as she watched him glide away.

She heard a small chirp before realising her Marill and Psyduck had drifted up to play. Laughing Misty pushed herself under the water before rising and splashing her Marill and Psyduck, this was not the time to be overly serious at least not yet.

Ducking down again Misty opened her eyes and began to swim so she would come up behind her Marill. However, she got herself a light Water Gun to the face upon her resurfacing to the amusement of Ash and the other Pokémon.

“I’ve been found out.” Misty laughed wiping the water from her face. Spinning to target someone else she felt surprise when something wrapped around her stomach. Glancing down she barely saw Dratini wrapped around her before she felt herself dragged under.

When she came spluttering up, Dratini was a safe distance away near to Ash who had Pikachu on his shoulder. At least that answered her question as to wear the mouse had gone.

“Think that’s funny do you guys?” Misty asked while laughing herself. “And I thought Dratini was going to be on my side.” She finished by sighing and doing her best to look vulnerable. It was beginning to work because Dratini was beginning to make its way back to her.

“Nice try Mist.” Ash said lunging forward. “Do you have to win away all my Pokémon?” He asked he missed grabbing her. He stopped before turning to face her.

“Not my fault your Pokémon know a lady when they see one.” She retorted brining up her arm in a weak defence against his approach. It was useless because she felt herself being dragged into deeper water.

“Ash! Ash!” Misty laughed in spite of the situation. Ash’s tight grip on her waist let her know there was no wiggling out of the situation. She had to laugh in spite of herself. Ash had forgotten that she was a Sensational Sister on top of a water gym leader.

Only person getting dunked would be him. As Ash began to lift her out of the water Misty fell into more giggles as she reached her legs back to lock around Ash’s waist.

“Huh?” Was all he got out before Misty used him to push them both backward. His arms were still wrapped around her so she went under too but still it was a victory.

Ash’s arms slackened and she took that as her cue for escape. Misty opened her eyes taking in the underwater world. They had startled a few fish and upset the bottom a little bit. Kicking off Misty began to swim away when she felt arms encircle her.

Looking behind her she saw Ash his arms locked around her waist dragging her to the surface. There was a loud splash as they surfaced and a bigger one as they flopped back into the water.

When Ash allowed them to surface she was wrapped in his arms and laughing hysterically. She felt Marill hit her with another Water Gun then a familiar weight jump on her shoulder.

Glancing around she saw Pikachu had jumped onto her with Dratini lazily surrounding both her and Ash. Laughing even more Misty tried to splash the Pokémon but was stopped by Dratini and Marill splashing the water with their tails.

She hid her face in Ash’s chest to get away from the continuous splashing. He was so relaxed and warm.

“Hey no fair!” If you guys are going to use attacks.” Ash growled his body tensing up. “We will have to use attacks too! And use unfair advantages!”

Misty found herself laughing harder. “Uh-huh like the fact we have hands and thumbs and you don’t” She giggled. Reaching out she snagged Marill’s tail causing the Pokémon to flail uncontrollably.

“One down.” Ash laughed keeping an eye on Dratini. The Pokémon met his gaze before slowly sinking underwater. Pikachu cried out before leaping away towards Psyduck and the inner tube. The duck at Pikachu’s approach began to struggle away.

“Something to be guilty of PikaPal?” Misty called out before lightly tossing Marill into deeper water. The Pokémon quickly regained its balance before aiming another water gun. Misty dodged it this time and sent a large splash towards her Marill.

Marill was sent bobbing a slight distance away to the delight of Psyduck and Pikachu. “You two aren’t getting away!” Ash yelled before surfacing directly behind the inner tube. Before Pikachu could leap to far away, Ash tucked his mouse friend on the tube and sent them on a fast pace into deeper water.

For all the two flailed and cried out Misty knew they were enjoying themselves. Something brushed her ankle and she smiled before dropping down straight underwater. There was not much they could do to Dratini, seeing as it was snake like and all.

Except give, it a little bit of squeezing and maybe manipulating. Before Dratini could wiggle away from her leg, Misty somersaulted sending her leg out of the water. Sending the tangled Dratini into the air as well.

She felt hands detangle Dratini from her and she flipped over again to rise to the surface. Ash had Dratini captive and the dragon Pokémon was fighting to escape, but not too hard Misty could see that.

“Ready for a big splash?” Ash asked before sending himself and Dratini back into the water. Misty shook her head at the two of them.

She felt something bump her and she turned to see Marill, Psyduck and Pikachu had returned and was ready for her to play again. She felt Marill and Pikachu tug on her hands and she allowed herself to be dragged into more splashing.

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Ash surfaced with Dratini laughing and shaking the water out of his hair. He really was enjoying himself. The bonding was going really great. he was not too sure if Misty was still planning to do a bit of training for Misty but for the time being the only thing planned was fun.

Dratini wiggled out of his grip and set a fast pace to where the others had Misty surrounded as they splashed her or toyed with her. As he had to do earlier, Ash flicked his glance to safer territory. The light was not good in the first place.

The random sparks of light on the water droplets really did everything to make Misty look otherworldly. Ash was sure she did not notice it but every time she resurfaced or laughed she looked out of the world. Like some sort of mermaid coming to spend time with him.

When he first saw her step from the trees he had to catch his breath. It was rare to see Misty look so girly. But he had quickly fixed his expression, coming out and saying such a thing could be highly dangerous. The one time he had said such a thing Misty had knocked him into the ocean with no hesitation.

Dratini managed to snake around her and send her under water again to the amusement of Pikachu and Ash felt an indulgent smile come across his lips.

This really felt good. The two of them playing like this with all their Pokémon. It was so rare but so much fun. Swimming with Pokémon and friends was a regular event in his life, but Misty made it different.

Looking down Ash swished the water with his hand, freezing he glanced down into the water, t could not be. Not at a time like this when he had nothing on him. his gaze slowly began to track downstream as his thoughts began to work feverishly.

A loud splash drew his attention to the others again. He allowed a wide grin to split his face. There was still time. If anything, that was a sign of sorts. Everything was going to sort itself out.

“Hey Misty!” He called out as he made his way back to the others. “Be prepared for another dunking!”

“Not if I dunk you first Ash Ketchum!” Misty yelled spinning around to meet him. her eyes were flashing, her cheeks all flushed and her body tensed.

This is a good feeling. Ash thought before he lunged again for Misty.